The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts this will be the busiest Memorial Day weekend in nearly 20 years, with 43.8 million people expected to hit the road, and local law enforcement agencies are reminding drivers to "Click It or Ticket."

According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the state's seat belt use rate in 2023 was 81.9%, 10% lower than the national rate, and nearly 54% of vehicle occupant fatalities in Wyoming were not using a seat belt at the time of the crash.

"We need seat belt use to be automatic every time a driver and passenger get into a vehicle,” said Col. Tim Cameron.

"It’s not just the safe thing to do, it’s the law," he added.

Seat Belts Save Lives

Cameron says during the national Click It or Ticket high-visibility seat belt enforcement effort, which kicked off on Monday, May 20, and runs through Sunday, June 2, his agency will be working with law enforcement agencies across Wyoming and the country to get the message out that seat belts save lives.

"Buckling up is the simplest thing you can do to limit injury or save your life during a crash," said Cameron.

"We see the results of not wearing a seat belt all the time," he added. "We see the loss of life. So often, it could have been prevented."

50 Stunning Photos of America Honoring Memorial Day Through The Years

Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1971. Here is a look at how Americans have celebrated through the years while also honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll

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